A popular choice for concerts, this attractive piece features a contrasting middle section in the relative minor. There are speed changes. It requires some extended 2nd position, pizzicato chords and varieties of articulation.
This arrangement of a traditional Ukrainian folk melody is all in one finger pattern (0-1-23 violin/viola. 0-1-34 cello). The fun comes with the accelerando at the end.
Also available for Double Bass and Piano in Grade by Grade book 1, Boosey & Hawkes
The first movement (<3 mins) is good for subdividing into quavers and learning how to bow a part.
It uses 1st/3rd positions depending on the fingering.
The other movements are also useful. The complete Sonata is 7-10 mins.
Chahagir is a wonderful atmospheric piece for solo viola employing Middle Eastern tonalities.
Whilst the notes are not hard, sustaining notes on two strings and bringing out the phrases makes this piece suitable even for upper intermediate players.
An introduction to one of the most significant British composers for the viola.
There are long sustained phrases with extreme dynamics requiring a good understanding of the structure of the piece. This piece also requires good shifting for reliable intonation.
